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The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge challenge for student and schools.

However, B-A guidance counselor Mrs. Danielle McNelis said emotional needs have not risen as COVID-19 cases have increased.

“It’s always constant and steady and there are students who still need the support, but so far this year there hasn’t been anything significantly different,” she said.

Mrs. McNelis said when kids were in quarantine, some students reached out to the guidance department for their emotional needs. Others have outside resources that also help.

Teachers also have it rough this year because they must teach the kids in school and the virtual ones, as well. The workload could cause emotional problems like stress, but it hasn’t surfaced as anything serious yet.

Mrs. McNelis said the guidance office has not changed and it will continue to be an open door, which means whenever students need to talk to they can just walk in and talk to a guidance counselor if they are not busy.

The Bellwood-Antis School district also has a Student Assistance Program (SAP) designed  help students with things like behavioral and emotional concerns.

The plan is always different with each kid because all students have different needs, Mrs. McNelis said.

“It’s all based on individuals, the setting they are in, and what the needs of the students are at the time,” she said.